Knowledge of and use of the information provided by learning style theories can be of help in providing better educational experiences for students. Learning style preferences are of particular significance in programs such as allied health/health occupations education that practice selective admissions. Since the students have all been judged academically to be capable of success in the programs, knowledge of learning styles would help to account for the fact that some of them do not succeed and leave the program. Learning style preferences could be used to tailor programs to these students so that they can succeed. Research on cognitive styles that can be used to improve health occupations education includes the following six theories: (1) Witkin's Model of Field Dependence versus Field Independence, (2) Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator, (3) Cognitive Style Mapping, (4) Learning Style Inventory, (5) Learning Preference Inventory, and (6) Productivity Environmental Preference Survey. Knowledge of and use of these and other research instruments in the field can make a difference in the success of students in health occupations education, even if the educational institution does not have the financial and time resources to assess the learning style preferences of all or even of selected students. (KC)